Rockets get first shutout in 38 games

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County returned to the familiar surroundings of Rocket Stadium Friday and put on a stunning display, dominating Ohio County with a resounding 49-0 victory. It marked the Rockets' first shutout in 38 games, a streak that dates back to 2021.

Belcher gets loose for a TD
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The Rocket defense was relentless, leaving winless Ohio County unable to establish any rhythm on offense. In a dominant first half, CCHS held the Eagles to a staggering minus-48 yards rushing. The Eagles managed only two completed passes, both resulting in lost yardage.

On the offensive side, junior quarterback Quinn Summers showcased his precision, completing 13 of 16 passes for 253 yards and five touchdowns. Crittenden County scored on every possession in the first half, except for one fumbled punt return by senior CamRon Belcher—his first fumble in high school. Belcher quickly redeemed himself, catching two touchdown passes and leading the Rockets with five receptions for 96 yards.

Junior Caden Howard also had a notable game, securing two touchdown passes and moving closer to the team's career record for touchdown catches. He now sits just one shy of the 25-touchdown mark set by Preston Morgeson, and Howard is only six catches away from breaking the Rocket receptions record, having tallied three catches against the Eagles.

Leading 35-0 early in the second half following Belcher’s second touchdown and operating under a running clock for the rest of the game, CCHS unloaded its bench, which preserved the shutout and tacked on 14 more points. Reserve quarterback Conner Poindexter connected with freshman receiver Eli Lovell for a 36-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, marking a highlight for the young duo.

Kaiden Travis has a bead on the Eagle QB
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In a bid to avoid the shutout, Ohio County made a late push into the red zone, but their efforts were thwarted by a fumble. Rocket sophomore Davis Perryman scooped up the loose ball and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown.

Crittenden's defense was stunning against the Eagles, recording three sacks and throwing Ohio County's offense for a loss on more than half of its plays.

In a dominant defensive effort, several players stepped up with standout performances. Defensive end Kaiden Travis led the charge with an impressive six solo tackles, two assists, three tackles for loss (TFLs), and a sack, constantly pressuring the offense. Linebacker Brayden Poindexter also made his presence felt with three solo tackles, two TFLs, and a fumble recovery. Freshman Eli Lovell added four solos, an assist and a sack, while Gaige Markham and Trent Todd each contributed sacks of their own. Landon Curry forced a fumble to go with his two solos and two assists. 

After struggling on the road with three losses in their last four games, the Rockets look to regain momentum as they prepare to host Class 2A’s No. 4 Mayfield next week for homecoming.

Ranked in the top 10 just two weeks ago, Crittenden County faced tough competition, including road losses to No. 1 Owensboro Catholic and No. 5 Murray over the previous two weeks. CCHS was 14th in this week's 2A poll.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Ohio County 0 0 0 0

Crittenden 13 14 15 7

SCORING PLAYS

C-Caden Howard 19 pass from Quinn Summers (Adri Berry kick) 6:26, 1st

C-Dakota Sosh 13 pass from Summers (Berry kick failed) 1:57, 1st

C-Howard 35 pass from Summers (Berry kick) 9:35, 2nd

C-CamRon Belcher 19 pass from Summers (Berry kick) :54, 2nd

C-Belcher 45 pass from Summers (Howard pass from Summers) 11:06, 3rd

C-Eli Lovell 36 pass from Conner Poindexter (Berry kick) 8:12, 3rd

C-Davis Perryman 84 fumble return (Mitchell Brown kick) 5:00, 4th

TEAM TOTALS

First Downs: CCHS 9, OCHS 6

Penalties: CCHS 8-75, OCHS 10-90

Rushing: CCHS 8-34, OCHS 28-46

Passing: CCHS 15-20-1, 315; OCHS 3-5-0, (-4).

Total Yards: CCHS 349, OCHS 42

Fumbles/Lost: CCHS 2-1, OCHS 2-2

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing

CCHS: Brayden Mahnke 2-22, Gaige Markham 2-11, Conner Poindexter 1-(-5), Michael Porter 1-(-2), Summers 2-8. OCHS: Lucas Kramer 1-1, Carson Powers 1-(-3), Cam Evans 10-56, Eli Warren 8-45, Ayden Farris 7-(-48), Luke Barton 1-(-5).

Passing

CCHS: Summers 13-16-0, 253; Poindexter 2-4-1, 62. OCHS: Farris 3-5-0, (-4).

Receiving 

CCHS: Belcher 5-96, Howard 3-57, Tyree McLean 2-44, Sosh 2-33, Mahnke 1-23, Lovell 1-36, Trae Taylor 1-26.

Defense

Landon Curry 2 solos, 2 assists, caused fumble, TFL; Blake French assist; Seth Henry 2 solos, TFL; Brayden Mahnke 2 solos, 2 assists, 2 TFLs; Michael Porter 2 solos, assist; Kaiden Travis 6 solos, 2 assists, 3 TFLs, sack; Carson Yates 2 solos, assist; Caden Howard assist; Colton McLean solo; Brayden Poindexter 3 solos, 2 TFLs, fumble recovery; Trae Taylor solo, TFL; Gaige Markham 2 solos, assist, sack; Aiden Musser 2 solos, 3 assists; Logan Nolan solo, assist; Davis Perryman assist; Trent Todd solo, sack; Caden Blazina 3 solos, assists, 2 TFLs; Hunter Curnel 2 solos; Eli Lovell 4 solos, assist, sack; Davis Perryman assist. 

Players of the Game:Defense Kaiden Travis, Lineman Kaiden Travis, Offense Quinn Summers, Special Teams Michael Porter.

Records: CCHS 3-4, OHCS 0-8